England paceman James Anderson is paying no attention to the bookmakers' odds as he prepares to face Australia.

Last Updated: 06/07/13 11:05pm

James Anderson: England paceman still wary of Australia

The hosts are as short as 10/1 to claim a 5-0 whitewash in the series, while the tourists can be backed at 9/2 for a series win.

However, Anderson is wary that a 'nothing to lose mentality' has been generated in the Australia camp ahead of the first Test which starts at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

"If we don't play well it doesn't matter if we are favourites or not," said Anderson.

"You can be favourites on paper and have a stronger team on paper, possibly, and when you get on the field it is a completely different story.

"We have to concentrate on playing well. It doesn't matter where Australia are in the rankings, it doesn't matter where we are in the rankings. This is the biggest thing.

Dangerous

"They basically have got not much to lose. A lot of them don't really have any Ashes memories. A lot of them won't have played in the Ashes before.

"That's dangerous in itself. They've got guys who will want to prove a point and show they are worthy of selection.

"A guy like Chris Rogers coming in at 36 he has nothing to lose at all. It could be quite dangerous in that respect."

Anderson did not play in the warm-up game against Essex, but he believes life in the England dressing room has never been better.

"There is no downside at the minute. We had a really good week at Essex," added Anderson, speaking on behalf of ECB's #RISE programme when hundreds of local cricket clubs will hold open days over the five Investec Ashes Series weekends.

"The dressing room was relaxed when it could be. It was switched on when it needed to be just before we went out into the middle and on the field. I thought we were very professional.

"Generally there is a really relaxed feel in the camp and an excitement of what is about to come.

"We are aware what that slip in form (against South Africa) did to our rankings. We are determined to put that right."